It's been quite a day today. There seems to be so much going on that is sad, so much sickness, so many hardships.

An 11-year-old girl from our church is in surgery for the third time, trying to find the infection that is wracking her body. Her situation has been quite grave for a couple of weeks. We're praying for a miracle. Another friend is dying of cancer, she only has a couple of weeks. Her oldest child is graduating from high school in just two weeks. Please pray for their family, they don't know the Lord. Another friend has discovered a lump on her hip, another friend was diagnosed with lung cancer yesterday, our neighbor is having surgery on Friday, my cousin is fighting cancer and has given up on treatments, and the largest manufacturer in our town announced today that they are leaving----and in the midst of all this, we're planning a party.

I should be exercising, I should be baking, I should be knitting, I should be cleaning. What am I doing? Losing myself in the music on my ipod, writing on my blog. My dd is stressed. We cried and prayed, trying to move forward. The party will be a welcome distraction, but at times, it seems almost frivolous, or, at the least, insensitive. It's not, but with all the hurt and pain, it's kind of hard to celebrate.

We are looking forward to loved ones coming to share in our celebration. That will make it all worth it!

Psalm 5:11-12 (NIV)
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.